USB Type-C™ Interface

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), which defines standard interfaces between computers and peripherals. The USB Type-C connector is the latest development in the USB-IF that not only is a low profile high data rate connector but is orientation independent, part of a new paradigm in power delivery AND now includes the three major interface technologies for high speed data: USB3.1, Thunderbolt3 and DisplayPort. Designs using the Type-C connector can provide much more value and power to the consumer. As an implementer of these interfaces, you will need a complete feature set for physical layer testing from a partner you can rely on.

USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2, also known as SuperSpeed USB (5Gbs) and Superspeed Plus(10Gbs). These links operate in dual simplex mode (one RX and one TX lane).

Thunderbolt 3 (TBT3) runs as an alternate mode over the Type-C connector and achieves 40Gbs composite over two lanes in forward and reverse directions.

DPoC (DisplayPort over Type-C): the preferred display interface now runs over the USB Type-C as an alternate mode and two modes are possible: 4 lanes in one direction with composite bit rate up to 32.4Gbs or 2 lanes in one direction simultaneously with USB3.1 RX and TX lanes active.

USB-Power Delivery 2: USBPD2 operates at low data rates, but establishes power contracts between link partners where power providers and consumers are identified as well the voltage and current limits.

Keysight’s design and test solutions for USB Type-C applications are driven and supported by Keysight experts who are active in the standards bodies that incorporate the connector: USB-IF and VESA. Our involvement in standards groups and their related workshops, and specification development enables Keysight to bring the right solutions to the market when you need them.

Keysight is the only company that has standard-accepted solutions for USB, TBT3 and DP for Transmitter Test, Receiver test, and Cable test.

While Keysight focuses on Compliance Testing and provides the Hardware and software to assure compliance, we also emphasize solutions in simulation as well as full characterization (corner testing) of the USB Type-C physical layer.